Snowpack#

Below you will graphs, maps, and images describing snowpack conditions in the water supply areas during the 2023-24 winter season.

Satellite-derived Snow Water Equivalent#

The images below show the average SWE over the Capilano and Seymour Watersheds as of November 29th. Values are in mm of snow water equivalent.

_images/sheds_swe.png

Fig. 1 Average SWE in Capilano and Seymour Watersheds - Nov. 29, 2023#

Snowpack Data and Climate Indices#

The plots below look at snow water equivalent (SWE) at Grouse Mountain on April 1, which is typically close to peak SWE for the season, in relation to the El Nino - Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) climate indices. Both of these climate drivers have a significant impact on spring SWE values in the watersheds. However, there is also significant variability. Fortunately, the PDO remains strongly negative as we move into 2024. Perhaps this will dampen the impacts of a moderate-to-strong El Nino season.